Family and Gender-based Violence Prevention
Hume City Council is committed to preventing family and gender-based violence and working towards a future where everyone is safe, equal and respected.
Family Violence
Family violence is any violent, threatening, coercive or controlling behaviour that occurs in current or past family, domestic or intimate relationships. This includes not only physical injury but direct or indirect threats, sexual assault, emotional and psychological torment, economic control, damage to property, social isolation and any behaviour which causes a person to live in fear.
Domestic and family violence can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender or socioeconomic status; however, evidence shows that family violence is predominantly perpetrated by men against women. In Australia, one woman a week on average is murdered by her current or former male partner.
The good news is that family violence is preventable. By addressing gender inequality and the underlying drivers and reinforcing factors of violence, we can prevent it from happening in the first place.
Council is committed to preventing family violence and supporting those who are experiencing it. We work collaboratively with the Victorian Government and the Hume community to provide quality prevention and response initiatives. See below for information on current initiatives.
16 Days of Activism (Nov 25 - Dec 10)
16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence is a global campaign led annually by UN Women. It runs from 25 November (the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women) to 10 December (Human Rights Day).
Over 16 days, communities around the world join the call to prevent and eliminate violence against all women. What we learn and share in this time goes beyond just 16 days.
Hume City Council offered a range of free activities that ignite conversation, encourage change, and work towards a future where everyone is safe, equal and respected, every day.
Escape Bags available in Council Libraries
Our Hume libraries currently stock FREE Escape Bags filled with the necessities that you/your children may need when escaping an abusive or dangerous situation. This includes things like shampoo, conditioner, nappies and other toiletries. Speak to our friendly library staff to receive a bag.
Hume Family and Domestic Violence Network
Hume City Council convenes the Hume Domestic and Family Violence Network in partnership with Northern Community Legal Centre. The Network was formed in 1992. Members include family violence service providers and government agencies working within the City of Hume. The purpose of the network is to coordinate a partnership response to family violence and to promote gender equality within the Hume community.
Breastfeeding Welcome Here Initiative
Breastfeeding is a normal and everyday thing to do. Babies have the right to be breastfed and parents have the right to breastfeed wherever they are. We want to ensure that parents in Hume can feel comfortable and confident to breastfeed in public.
That’s why our Libraries, Leisure Centres and Community Centres are registered ‘Breastfeeding is Welcome Everywhere’ spaces. This means that these venues are safe, welcoming and respectful environments for breastfeeding. In these venues, you will find:
- Space to move a pram
- A welcoming attitude from staff
- A smoke-free environment
Hume City Council is committed to supporting parents and families in Hume to feel safe and welcome.
DV Safe Phone Partnership
Council is an official collection partner of DV Safe Phone, a not-for-profit organisation that provides repurposed mobile phones to people experiencing domestic violence (DV). Mobile phones are often one of the first items taken, monitored or broken by an abuser, making it difficult for victims to access support.
DV Safe Phone provides secure, repurposed mobile phones so victims can safely communicate with loved ones, emergency responders and support services when they need it most.
You can donate your old mobile phones at the collection boxes located at the following sites:
- HGLC Broadmeadows
- HGLC Craigieburn
- HGLC Sunbury
Family Violence Support Services
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 000.
If you are not in danger and need family violence support, you can reach out to a family violence support service. The Orange Door is a good first point of contact if you are experiencing family violence. They are a free service and can help you get the support you need.
Location: 1093 Pascoe Vale Rd, Broadmeadows
Phone: 1800 271 151
Opening Hours: Mon-Fri 9:00am to 5:00pm
Other support services are also listed below.